Family speak of loss after nine held over resort stabbing death

THE family of a teenager who died in a stabbing in Yorkshire’s main resort have spoken of their loss as traders called for a purge on knife crime, drugs, and binge-drinking in the seaside town.
The sealed-off seafront in ScarboroughThe sealed-off seafront in Scarborough
The sealed-off seafront in Scarborough

Michael Graham, 19, was one of two victims who were stabbed on Scarborough seafront over the weekend after a brawl erupted near amusement arcades in the town’s South Bay.

North Yorkshire Police confirmed yesterday that nine teenagers were now being held in custody after detectives launched a murder investigation following the death of Mr Graham.

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The inquiry led to nearly all of the South Bay and the cliff-top paths and roads leading down to the beach being cordoned off as a crime scene as forensic experts searched for vital evidence.

However, a North Yorkshire Police spokesman confirmed last night that Foreshore Road, which runs along South Bay, had been re-opened.

Another teenager, aged 17, was yesterday said to be in a “stable” condition in Scarborough District Hospital where he was taken for treatment to stab wounds which were inflicted during the disturbance late on Saturday.

A statement from Mr Graham’s family which was released last night said: “We are absolutely devastated by what has happened to Mickey and we’re struggling to come to terms with the fact that he has gone. We hope those responsible for his death are brought to justice.”

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The chairman of the South Bay Traders Association, John Senior, claimed the double stabbing had undermined attempts to cultivate Scarborough’s image as a resort for families.

He said: “This horrific tragedy has been a rude awakening. We see ourselves now very much as a family resort. The seafront and Scarborough generally are very peaceful areas.”

While the exact circumstances surrounding the double-stabbing on Scarborough’s seafront have yet to be established, Mr Senior admitted it is feared that drink and drugs were involved in the tragedy.

He said: “It’s terribly sad. But it’s the whole weapons and knife culture thing – and the whole culture of being out of control by being hopped up on drink or drugs.

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“It is a poor reflection on our society and as a society we need to take a good look at ourselves and make sure this does not happen again.

“We are talking about people little older than children who are fooling around with knives without realising they can kill.

“The terrible realisation of what has happened is probably only just beginning to dawn on them. It is a tragedy not just for the victims but all the families involved.”

It emerged yesterday that detectives – who detained two men in their late teens in connection with the murder in the early hours of Sunday – had made seven more arrests.

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Leeds-born Mr Graham died just before midnight on Saturday after being attacked near the Olympia amusement arcade on Foreshore Road in Scarborough.

A former pupil of Graham School in Scarborough, friends said Mr Graham had a young son with a former partner. Known as “Angel”, he was also a member of the Emo subculture – but detectives have made clear he was not targeted because of his life-style.

Another four youths and three girls, all aged in their teens, have been arrested and were yesterday being questioned by detectives over the events leading up to the double stabbing.